A Royally Good Example

Just over a week ago, the United Kingdom changed forever. The death of Queen Elizabeth II came unexpectedly in the end, despite her exceptional 70-year reign. In the past days, we have joined with the nation in both mourning her passing and celebrating her outstanding life. Yes, some tears were shed. Now the Queen has been laid to rest, perhaps we are all realising how much she did for our country. Princess Anne’s moving statement was spot on.

The Queen’s was a life of faith and service, with more than a few Corgis and the odd Dubonnet and gin thrown in. For a person born into privilege, she understood life incredibly well. As we move into a new period in history, we’re taking a few minutes to look at the wisdom and wit of our late monarch, thinking especially what the foster family can learn from her. You see, Queen Elizabeth II was a royally good example to us all.

First, some of the Queen’s insights from over the years…

“It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”

Oh, how true this can be in foster care. Sometimes we may want giant changes for a child straight away, but the truth is that every tiny step they take forward, every little achievement they make should be celebrated. A lot of work from both sides can go into a little step, so don’t overlook the success. Small can be big.

“Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God.”

We all know some days in fostering can be brilliant, while others can be challenging. You may be of a different faith to the Queen or of no faith, but starting each day afresh, trying to do your best and keeping things in perspective is quite honestly a great way to cope with whatever a placement brings you.

“It is through [the] lens of history that we should view the conflicts of today, and so give us hope for tomorrow.”

If you ever feel like a battle might beat you, remember how much you’ve already achieved. Top advice.

“No age group has a monopoly of wisdom, and indeed I think the young can sometimes be wiser than us.”

As foster carers, social workers and the world really, we should never forget to value and listen to the young people in our care – otherwise we might miss the opportunity to learn from them.

“We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.”

Self-care folks, it’s important.

“Whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load.”

Foster carers, support networks, social workers and more – we know we can achieve great things when we pull together.

Lastly, as well as her wisdom, the Queen was well known for her wit and welcoming nature. So many who met her recall how she had both a wicked sense of humour and the ability to make all people feel valued and welcome. Two attributes that are apparently as helpful for the monarchy as they are for anyone in the fostering family! Don’t worry, we’re pretty sure Her Majesty didn’t always find it easy either.

As we look back on the incredible life of Queen Elizabeth II, her wisdom, wit and welcome are indeed a royally good example to us all. From us at Footprints, we say a heartfelt, ‘Thank you Ma’am’.